French Scientists Develop Artificial Heart

Its is believed that 20,000 people who need heart transplants a year are unable to receive them because of donor shortage. For this reason, France's leading cardiac surgeon, Alain Capentier of Carmat, has developed an artificial heart that beats in a very similar way as a normal human heart. Using electronic sensors, the heart maintains appropriate blood flow and heart rate, behaving like a human heart, under both stress and when at rest. Several motors power the two chamber heart, pumping oxygen poor blood from the right chamber into the oxygen rich left chamber and then out into the arteries. Oxygen levels are closely monitored within the heart and pump according to need.

Previously developed artificial hearts, while showing some success, have showed flaws, leading to blood clots. This new heart, which is made of biosynthetic, microporous materials, behaves as a "pseudo-skin," reducing the risk of clots. The other problem with previous designs is source of power, which before come from wires that protruded the skin. Capentier is considering various options for power. The battery they are looking into would only last between 5 and 16 hours and would thus require frequent charging. The first method allows the battery to be charged by placing an exterior electric transformer next to one within the skin connected to the battery. The second method places a titanium receiver into the skull. This receiver would be connected to the heart and would only require an external battery near the receiver to power the heart.    

Clinical tests will begin in two to three years time for patients with terminal heart failure. The device has already been successfully tested on sheep and calves and looks very promising. Carmat is looking at about 100 million Euros in funding in the next couple of years, hoping to have the artificial heart ready for an alternative to transplants as early as 2013.

  

The Times